'Fine margins cost us as slump continues'
It's fair to say we're in a bit of a slump at the moment - just one win in four, with nothing to show from games against Hearts and the Old Firm.We were out on our feet against the Jambos, but showed fight at Parkhead then, on Sunday, were the architects of our own downfall.We could have been two or three up before Rangers equalised, but fine margins cost us. Their third goal summed it up - we lost possession high up the pitch and they punished us with a clinical finish.Our slow starts have been a recurring issue this season, but Jim Goodwin flipped the script on Sunday. We came out firing in a bold 4-4-2, with new man Ruari Paton joining the best in Scotland, Sam Dalby, up front.Dalby's opener was a surprise, considering United had managed just one first-half goal in the previous 11 matches, and things could have got even better. Dalby hit the post and Luca Stephenson forced a fantastic save from Butland.But when Mohamed Diomande equalised it felt like a hammer blow. The surprises continued as he stayed on his feet long enough to score, considering how much time he spent rolling about on the Tannadice turf.The match had everything - goals, saves, the woodwork rattled and a red card - but Robin Propper's goal was the turning point.It'll frustrate Goodwin no end. Ryan Strain left Propper unmarked to help close down Ianis Hagi and the strike took a wicked deflection off Kevin Holt. It's never just a deflection, is it? It has to be wicked.Results elsewhere went in our favour, but we couldn't take advantage. Now all eyes are on Kilmarnock this weekend. We have to come back up the road with three points. Anything less, and that gap to the chasing pack could start to feel a little too close for comfort.Ronny Costello can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external
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